Mary Ng
Former Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada
Mary Ng is a globally respected voice on international trade, inclusive economic growth, and business leadership. From 2018 to 2025, she served as Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development—becoming the country’s longest-serving trade minister.
Mary oversaw negotiations on major trade agreements, including the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (post-Brexit), the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, and the Canada-Ecuador FTA. She also led Canada’s strategic engagement with ASEAN, oversaw the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and guided Canada’s role in the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), where she chaired the CPTPP Commission in 2024.
A principal architect of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Mary helped strengthen trade and investment ties across Asia-Pacific. She also led Canada’s trade relationships with the United States and Mexico under CUSMA/USMCA, with Europe through CETA, and worked to deepen ties in Africa, CARICOM, and South America—making her a truly global trade leader.
At home, Mary turned trade agreements into real opportunities for Canadian businesses—leading high-level trade missions and helping entrepreneurs expand into international markets. As Minister for Small Business during the COVID-19 pandemic, she delivered emergency supports that helped businesses survive and rebuild. Her leadership laid the foundation for a more inclusive, digital, and globally competitive business ecosystem. She also championed national programs like the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and the Black Entrepreneurship Program.
Mary has represented Canada on the world stage at the G7, G20, WTO, APEC, and other global forums, consistently positioning Canada as a reliable, bridge-building, and rules-based trading partner. Today, Mary brings her deep global expertise to audiences worldwide. She speaks on global trade and economic leadership, geopolitical risk, and inclusive leadership.
